Sample preparation techniques for GC

Sample preparation is still considered the most time-consuming and error-prone step within the analytical process in many research fields. This is particularly true in food and environmental analysis where the complexity of many of the investigated matrices and the low concentration levels at which the target compounds should be accurately determined made necessary the use of tedious and highly manipulative multistep sample preparation protocols. This chapter reviews current state of the art in the field of sample preparation for combined use with gas chromatographic-based techniques. The most relevant developments achieved in the last two decades in this active research area have been reviewed and discussed on the basis of representative application studies primarily taken from the environmental and food fields. As in other research areas, miniaturisation and increased integration of the several treatment steps typically required for the preparation of these matrices are revealed as the most relevant trends within this step of the analytical process.Author thanks MINECO (CTQ2010-32957) and CM and FEDER program (project S2009/AGR-1464, ANALISYC-II) for financial support.Peer reviewe